Thursday, January 04, 2007

D.O.A. - True, Strong & Free (1987)

Rising from the ashes of The Skulls in 1978, D.O.A. is a hardcore punk band from Vancouver. Their music was often described as hardcore punk and they are often referred to as the "founders" of Hardcore by their following along with Bad Brains and D.C's Minor Threat. Their second album Hardcore 81 was thought by many to have been the first actual reference to the second wave of American punk bands sound as hardcore. Singer/guitarist Joey "Shithead" Keithley is the only founding member to have stayed in the band throughout its entire history, however original bassist Randy Rampage has rejoined DOA after a long absence and is in the current lineup. D.O.A. has often released music on Jello Biafra's Alternative Tentacles Records, and they have released an album with Jello Biafra titled 'Last Scream Of The Missing Neighbors'.D.O.A. has always maintained an uncompromising leftwing populist political stance. The band is known for its outspoken political opinions and has a history of playing for many causes and benefits. Its slogan is "TALK-ACTION=0". The band has been active on many issues, including Anti-racism, anti-globalization, freedom of speech, and the environment. Many bands cite D.O.A. as an influence, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, Rancid, and The Offspring. [citation neededThe band's first two albums, Something Better Change and Hardcore 81 are two of the top five Canadian punk rock albums of all time. Their Triumph of the Ignoroids EP used a picture of Margaret Trudeau without permission, leading to a lawsuit that resulted in its withdrawal from the market.Founder Joe Keithley now spends a great deal of time working with his record company Sudden Death Records which has branched off into many areas of music. Vancouver Mayor Larry Campbell declared December 21st to be "D.O.A. Day" in honor of the band's 25th anniversary. http://wikipedia.org